The Best Places to Golf in Jacksonville, Florida

The Best Places to Golf in Jacksonville, Florida

 

Jacksonville is a golf town. We have 70+ courses within easy driving distance, everything from historic Donald Ross designs to modern resort heavyweights. And yes, that infamous island green is 25 minutes down A1A.

Below is your guide to where to play, what to expect, and how to plan; whether you’re chasing a bucket-list round or squeezing in twilight nine with friends.

Quick Picks (So You Can Book Fast)

  • Bucket-list splurge: THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass (island-green 17). Book 14 days out or via stay-and-play; summer is cheaper.
  • Best value muni: Bent Creek has solid conditioning and friendly rates.
  • Beach-side muni: Jacksonville Beach Golf Club is walkable, newly refreshed, and affordable.
  • Beginner-friendly championship feel: Windsor Parke (Arthur Hills; NGCOA “Beginner Friendly”).
  • Range night out: Blue Sky Golf Club (Toptracer bays + Arnold Palmer design).
  • Short & flexible: Blue Cypress (9 + new 3-hole loop = 12), Brentwood (nine, First Tee hub). 
  • History walk: Hyde Park (Donald Ross, 1925). 
  • Unique format: The Yards (North Florida’s only 12-hole round; add the par-3 “Beer Loop”).

 

Where to Play: Inside Jacksonville (Public & Semi-Private)

Jacksonville Beach Golf Club (Jax Beach)

Why it’s great: Classic beach-town muni with a fun routing and a loyal local crowd.
What to expect: Walkable, sensible challenge, and some of the best golf value east of A1A.
How to plan: Book online; published 18-hole riding rates typically sit far below resort prices (see current sheet). Dress code posted on site.

Windsor Parke Golf Club (Southside / Beaches corridor)

Why it’s great: Arthur Hills design with real tournament pedigree; also “Beginner Friendly.” What to expect: Rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and a lively 19th hole.
How to plan: Lowest prices are on the club website; note the no-riders Fri–Sun policy if you’re bringing non-players.

Blue Sky Golf Club (Southside)

Why it’s great: Arnold Palmer layout plus Toptracer range for games, practice, or parties.
What to expect: Marsh carries, tree-lined holes, and an easy post-round hang at the bar & grill.
How to plan: Non-members can book 7 days out; reserve a Toptracer bay for groups.

Hidden Hills Golf Club (Arlington)

Why it’s great: Hilly for Florida (!), an Arnold Palmer redesign with heritage from the old Greater Jacksonville Open days.
What to expect: Elevation changes, sloped greens, and a peaceful, pine-framed walk or ride.
How to plan: Public welcome; check the course page for yardage and history before you go.

Bent Creek Golf Course (Westside)

Why it’s great: Local’s value play with solid conditions and a straightforward, fair test.
What to expect: Par-72 with a mix of scoring chances and stout par-4s.
How to plan: Dynamic pricing; seniors/military/first responders see posted discounts.

Hyde Park Golf Club (Southwest JAX)

Why it’s great: It’s old-school greens and history for days.
What to expect: Classic angles over brute force; perfect for a fast morning loop.
How to plan: Check the club site or travel write-ups for historical notes and current conditions.

Brentwood Golf Course (Urban core)

Why it’s great: Friendly nine-holer and home base for First Tee – North Florida programs.
What to expect: Quick loops, juniors everywhere (you love to see it), and approachable green fees.
How to plan: Great spot to introduce new golfers; check the City/club pages for updates.

Blue Cypress Golf Course (Arlington / University area)

Why it’s great: Community course reborn; 9 holes (“Big Blue”) + new 3-hole loop (“Little Blue”) = 12-hole “The Dozen.”
What to expect: Walkable golf with a kids-play-free vibe and a growing practice scene.
How to plan: The 3-hole loop opened July 31, 2025; check the course site or Visit JAX for the latest and tee-time app deals.

 

Day-Trip Worthy (30–45 minutes from Downtown)

TPC Sawgrass: THE PLAYERS Stadium Course & Dye’s Valley (Ponte Vedra)

Why it’s great: The island-green 17 is golf’s most recognizable shot.
What to expect: Stadium Course is cart-path only; both courses run dynamic pricing with published ranges and 14-day booking windows (or up to 12 months via stay-and-play).
How to plan: Watch closure dates around THE PLAYERS and summer maintenance; factor in a forecaddie on Stadium.

The Yards (Ponte Vedra)

Why it’s great: North Florida’s only 12-hole course with choose-your-own 3/6/9/12-hole combos and a par-3 “Beer Loop.”
What to expect: Short-game fun, modern vibe, and a great add-on to a Sawgrass weekend.
How to plan: Book online; it’s inside Sawgrass Players Club near the Marriott.

World Golf Village: King & Bear + Slammer & Squire (St. Augustine)

Why it’s great: A full golf campus with two popular resort courses (plus the PGA TOUR Golf Academy on site).
What to expect: King & Bear posts a clear rate range and is the only Palmer/Nicklaus co-design in the world; Slammer & Squire is forgiving off the tee and scenic.
How to plan: Book direct; check Troon/WGV pages for deals and clinic options. 

 

Practice, Lessons & Social Golf

When to Play (Weather & Timing)

  • Best months for comfy golf: late March–May and early Oct–mid-Nov (milder temps, clearer skies). Jacksonville’s hottest stretch is June–August with frequent PM showers. Book morning or twilight then.
  • Summer strategy: Early tee times, extra water, and lightning awareness (Florida pop-ups are real).
  • Winter: Cool but playable; pack a light layer for dawn/dusk.

Learn the Weather: What weather is like in Jacksonville, FL year-round

Keep cool in summer: Staying cool in a heatwave

Planning Like a Local

Booking windows & deals

  • TPC Sawgrass: public can book 14 days out (or up to 12 months with resort packages).
  • Blue Sky: non-members 7 days; check site for bay reservations.
  • Windsor Parke: best prices are online, and no riders on Fri–Sun.

Etiquette & expectations

  • Cart-path-only is common after heavy rain; Stadium Course is cart-path-only year-round. 
  • Respect pace: 4–4.5 hours for 18 is standard at busy times.
  • Florida wildlife is part of the charm, admire gators from a distance.

What to pack

  • Polarized sunglasses, two gloves (summer sweat), electrolyte mix, and a small towel for grips.
  • Soft-spike shoes and a lightweight umbrella (summer).
  • Rangefinder + spare battery for Sawgrass and Hidden Hills.

Sample 48-Hour JAX Golf Weekend

Friday

  • Check in at the Beaches. Sunset nine at Jax Beach Golf Club, then tacos nearby.

Saturday

  • TPC Sawgrass (Stadium or Dye’s Valley) AM round. Photo at the 17th tee, obviously.
  • Afternoon nap, then Toptracer at Blue Sky or a Topgolf session with non-golfers.

Sunday

  • Brunch, then Windsor Parke or Hidden Hills for a classic finish. Early twilight if it’s hot.

Course Cheat Sheet (Book & Go)

Since you make it this fat: Extra Tips

  • Build in buffer time: Jacksonville is sprawling, and beach traffic pops on sunny weekends.
  • Hydrate early and often from May–September.
  • Take the photo at 17. Then breathe, pick your number, and swing.
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